Data communications backpack

ABSTRACT

A data communications backpack apparatus is disclosed having a backpack carrier. A power supply can be positioned in the backpack carrier. A router device can be positioned in the backpack carrier, the router device in electrical communication with the power supply. An antenna array can be positioned in the backpack carrier, the antenna array in electrical communication with the router device, the antenna array including one or more cellular antennas and one or more wireless networking antennas. The backpack carrier can include an upper opening extending into a central storage area, a first side pocket, a second side pocket, and a lower compartment positioned below the central storage area. The power supply can be positioned in the first side pocket, the router device can be positioned in the second side pocket, and the antenna array can be positioned in the lower compartment.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/536,414 filed Aug. 9, 2019 entitled Data Communications Backpack,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/708,061filed Sep. 18, 2017 entitled DATA COMMUNICATIONS BACKPACK (now U.S. Pat.No. 10,382,602), which is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/395,394 filed Sep. 16, 2016 entitled DATA COMMUNICATIONSCASE HAVING AN INTERNAL ANTENNA ARRAY, of which is herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This present disclosure generally relates to the field of datacommunications.

More specifically, the present disclosure relates to facilitatingvarious types of communications, including secure, high-speed datacommunications and voice communications when current end user devicesmay detect that little or no wireless or voice signal is available.Network failures and slow data communications occur for a myriad ofreasons—from crowded networks to natural disasters—leading tofrustrations in a society that is growing ever dependent on the abilityto transmit and receive communications, including secure, high-speeddata. Further, obtaining data and voice communication in remote areaswithout readily available power supplies, internet connectivity, and/orwhere cellular coverage is weak or non-existent can be difficult if notimpossible, which can be especially undesirable for public safetyofficials and others that often rely on data and voice communicationsfor work projects in rural environments and in disaster reliefsituations.

Conventional data communication units are large, bulky, and difficult totransport, and thus are typically retained in a generally fixed orpermanent location. Additionally, conventional portable antennas aretypically located on the outside of a data communications unit, creatinga cumbersome device that is unaesthetically pleasing where the antennasare freely exposed to external wear, tear and breakage. Damage to thecommunications antennas can undesirably affect the integrity of the datacommunications unit.

What is needed then are improvements to data communication devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

One aspect of the disclosure is a data communications backpack apparatusincluding a backpack carrier. A rechargeable power supply can bepositioned in the backpack carrier. A router device can be positioned inthe backpack carrier, the router device in electrical communication withthe power supply. An antenna array can be positioned in the backpackcarrier, the antenna array in electrical communication with the routerdevice, the antenna array including at least two cellular antennas andat least two wireless networking antennas. The backpack can be utilizedto provide wireless and cellular communication capabilities in remotelocations where communications signals can be weaker, in locations awayfrom a power grid, or in situations where power and conventionalwireless and cellular communication capabilities to an area has beenlost or compromised.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a data communicationsbackpack apparatus having a backpack carrier with an upper openingextending into a central storage area. A first side pocket can bedefined on the backpack carrier. A second side pocket can be defined onthe backpack carrier. A lower compartment can be defined on the backpackcarrier below the central storage area. A power supply can be positionedin the first pocket. A router device can be positioned in the secondpocket, the router device in electrical communication with the powersupply. An antenna array can be positioned in the lower compartment, theantenna array in electrical communication with the router device, theantenna array including one or more cellular antennas and one or morewireless networking antennas. In some embodiments, the backpack carriercan have a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The firstpocket can be defined on the first lateral side, and the second pocketcan be defined on the second lateral side.

In some embodiments, the apparatus can include an antenna support framepositioned in the lower compartment. The antenna array can be mounted tothe antenna support frame. The antenna support frame can provide supportand protection for the antenna array positioned in the lower compartmentof the backpack carrier.

One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a portable dataand voice communications system that allows for reliable wireless andcellular communications and/or GPS location services when power outagesor signal disruptions occur.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a portable,data and voice communications system that allows for reliable wirelessand cellular communications and/or GPS locations services in areas wheresignal strength is weak or nonexistent.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide datacommunication equipment in a backpack carrier which can allow a user tocarry or transport the data communications equipment on the user's back,freeing a user's hands during transport.

Numerous other objects, advantages and features of the presentdisclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon areview of the following drawings and description of a preferredembodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a data communicationsbackpack apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a first side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1showing a power supply positioned in a first side pocket of a backpackcarrier.

FIG. 3 is a second side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1showing a router device positioned in a second side pocket of thebackpack carrier.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing an antennaarray in an antenna housing positioned in a lower compartment of thebackpack carrier.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing anupper opening and a central storage area of the backpack apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing an internalpocket within the central storage area of the backpack carrier.

FIG. 7 is a front cutaway view showing the internal components of theapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the data communications components of FIG.7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a supportframe and antenna array being removed from a lower compartment of theapparatus.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 9 showing theinside of the lower compartment with the antenna array removed.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of an aperture defined between the lowercompartment and a side pocket of the backpack carrier.

FIG. 12 is a front cutaway view of a second embodiment of a datacommunications backpack apparatus of the present disclosure having anantenna array with separate antennas each mounted to a support framewithin a lower compartment of a backpack carrier.

FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the data communications equipment of FIG.12.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of another embodiment of a support frame fora backpack carrier apparatus including additional outer frame members.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the support frame of FIG. 14 positionedinside a support frame enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts thatare embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of theinvention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerousequivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Suchequivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention andare covered by the claims.

In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing,for the sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as “upper,”“lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. refer to the apparatus when inthe orientation shown in the drawing, or as otherwise described. Aperson of skill in the art will recognize that the apparatus can assumedifferent orientations when in use.

One embodiment of a portable data communications backpack apparatus 10is shown in FIGS. 1-11. The apparatus 10 can include a backpack carrier12. The backpack carrier 12 can include an upper opening 14 and acentral storage area 16 for storing various items or supplies, similarto a conventional backpack. The backpack carrier 12 can include shoulderstraps 13 which can be placed around the user's shoulders such that thebackpack carrier 12 can be carried on or across the user's back,allowing for convenient hands free transport of the apparatus 10 betweenuses or during use. The backpack carrier 12 in some embodiments can bemade of military grade materials and be of military style to helpincrease the durability of the backpack carrier 12. In some embodiments,the backpack carrier 12 can include a top cover 15 which can be securedover the upper opening 14 to enclose the central storage area 16 andprotect items positioned within the backpack carrier 12. Backpackcarrier 12 can include any suitable fasteners or closure mechanism forselectively securing the upper opening 14 in a closed position,including but not limited to, zippers, hooks, clips, buttons, clasps,snaps, etc. The central storage area 16 of the backpack carrier 12 insome embodiments can have one or more specialized compartments orinternal pockets 18, as shown in FIGS. 5-6. For instance, in someembodiments, the internal pocket 18 of the backpack carrier 12 can besized and configured as a laptop sleeve which can help protect a laptopor other computer electronics positioned within the sleeve 18 from otheritems within the central storage area 16.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 7-8, apparatus 10 can include a routerdevice 34, a rechargeable wireless power supply 36, and an antenna array38 positioned in the backpack carrier 12. The router device 34 can be inelectrical communication with the power supply 36, such that the routerdevice 34 can selectively receive power from power supply 36. Theantenna array 38 can be in communication with the router device 34 suchthat the antenna array 38 can communicate electrical signals received bythe antenna array 38 to the router device 34.

In certain embodiments, the router device 34 includes a built-in modem,a cellular gateway, WAN/LAN switchable ports, and a wireless networkadapter. In certain embodiments, the router device 34 is capable ofutilizing a firewall to block unauthorized access to communications sentand/or received via the router device 34. In certain embodiments, therouter device 34 is capable of enabling multiple, segmented wirelessnetworks, which can either be public or private wireless networks. Themultiple wireless networks may have separate and different service setidentifiers (SSIDs), each of which may be defined with passcodes. It isadvantageous that the router device 34 be capable of encrypting datacommunications via various encryption protocols (e.g., encrypting WiFicommunications with WEP, WPA, WPA2, etc.). It may also be advantageousthat the router device 34 be programmable to allow for load balancing.

Further, each wireless network may be capable of having multiple users.In some embodiments, each wireless network and SSID can simultaneouslyaccommodate multiple users. In some embodiments, the router device 34can enable multiple separate wireless networks and SSIDs, such that theapparatus 10 can accommodate additional users on separate wirelessnetworks. The router device 34 may utilize either static or dynamic IPaddressing schemas. In certain embodiments, the router device 34 mayenable 802.11 wireless connectivity utilizing distinct wirelessfrequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, or 5.9 GHz). Incertain embodiments, the router device 34 may enable 802.11 wirelessconnectivity in a, b, g, n, and/or ac standard configurations. Incertain embodiments, the router device 34 may be programmed via a cloudbased device manager. In certain embodiments, the router device 34 caninclude multiple cellular gateways such that the router device 34 mayaccommodate and communicate with more than one cellular carrier. Incertain embodiments, the router device 34 may have multipleWAN/LAN/RJ-45 ports for failover if a user wishes to directly connect tothe router device 34. In certain embodiments, the router device 34 maycomprise a Gobi® radio.

An antenna array 38 can be in electrical communication with the routerdevice 34. The antenna array 38 can include one or more cellularantennas 40, one or more wireless networking (e.g. Wi-Fi®) antennas 42,and one or more global positioning system (GPS) antennas 44, as shown inFIGS. 12-13. In some embodiments, each antenna 40, 42, and 44 of antennaarray 38 can be separately connected to the router device 34, as shownin FIG. 12.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, two cellular antennas 40 areutilized to cover frequencies across 700 and 800 MHz as well as allglobal cellular frequencies from 698-960 MHz and 1710-2700 MHz. Cellularantennas 40 of the embodiment in FIG. 12 may require a ground plane. Forthe embodiment shown in FIG. 12 and discussed above, it has beendiscovered that vertical polarity cellular antennas requiring a groundplane may be particularly advantageous. Ground plane independentcellular antennas and horizontal polarity cellular antennas, however,may also be used in other embodiments. Cellular antennas 40 may allowfor multiple user and multiple-input and multiple-output (MiMo)applications. In some embodiments, cellular antennas 40 can bepositioned at a cellular antenna separation distance 54 from one anotherwithin backpack carrier 12 to help reduce frequency interference betweencellular antennas 40. In one embodiment, cellular antenna separationdistance 54 is at least 12 inches.

In certain embodiments, the wireless antennas 42 have a frequency rangeof 2.4-5 GHz. In certain embodiments, the wireless antennas 42 enablemultiple user and multiple-input and multiple-output applications. Incertain embodiments, a user may be able to utilize a virtual privatenetwork (VPN) with any combination of the multiple wireless networksand/or any wired network port. In certain embodiments, more than twowireless antennas can be used to further increase the capacity of thewireless network and to further support MiMo applications.

In certain embodiments, a GPS antenna 44 can be included in an antennaarray 38 of a data communications backpack apparatus 10. In oneembodiment, the GPS antenna 44 has an operating frequency of 1575 MHz,but many other operating frequencies may be utilized. In one embodiment,the GPS antenna 44 can have a low-noise amplifier gain of 26 decibels,and an impedance of 50 ohms. A plurality of GPS antennas may be used insome embodiments. The GPS antenna(s) may be active or passive GPSantennas.

The power supply 36 may be used to power any component in backpackcarrier 12. In certain embodiments, the power supply 36 may be chargedvia an AC/DC adapter. The power supply 36 in other embodiments can alsobe configured to receive a charge via a solar panel charger, a cigarettelighter adapter, or various other chargers and/or adapters known in theart. The power supply 36 may have additional output ports for charginglaptops, notebooks, notepads, cellular phones, etc. In certainembodiments, various adapters that allow for power to be supplied toother external components may also be housed within the backpack carrier12 and connected to the power supply 36.

In some embodiments, each of the antennas of antenna array 38 can becontained together within an antenna housing 46, as shown in FIGS. 4 and7-9. Antenna housing 46 can provide a layer of protection for theantennas of the antenna array 38. Having antennas within an antennahousing 46 can help protect the antennas from external wear, tear andbreakage. Antenna array 38 and antenna housing 46 can also be describedas being a singular antenna with multiple antenna elements. In oneembodiment, the antenna housing 46 can contain five isolated highperformance antenna elements, including two cellular antenna elementsutilizing distinct wireless frequencies and supporting MiMo; two dualband wireless antenna elements supporting MiMo and diversity operationfor WIFI and WiMax wireless networks; and one GPS antenna element. Insome embodiments, the antenna elements in antenna array housing 46 canbe ground plane independent such that antenna array 38 can be positionedin various orientations within the backpack carrier 12, and the antennaelements can maintain a generally high performance even when mounted ona non-metallic surface or ground plane.

A power switch 48, a main fuse 50, and an auxiliary fuse 51 can also besecured within the backpack carrier 12. The power switch 48 can be inelectrical communication with the power supply 36 and the router device34, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, and the power switch 48 can be selectivelytoggled by a user to turn on apparatus 10 and supply power from powersupply 36 to router device 34. Main fuse 50 and auxiliary fuse 51 can beutilized to power additional electrical devices if desired, for instanceexternal lighting sources, which can be beneficial in times of poweroutages or in remote locations away from electrical power grids.

The power supply 36, router device 34, power switch 48, main fuse 50,auxiliary fuse 51, and the antennas of the antenna array 38 can beconnected to one another by low voltage (approximately 9V to 36V)electrical wiring 56 that is coated with a suitable insulating material(e.g., flame-retardant polyvinyl chloride), having an approximatethickness of 0.007-0.011 inches. An insulated coating on the electricalwiring can help reduce electromagnetic interference between the wiring,as well as with other electrical components of apparatus 10. It can alsobe advantageous to utilize cables having as short as a length aspossible to avoid attenuation. It can also be advantageous to utilizelow attenuation cables. Alternatively, the various components inside thebackpack carrier 12 may be interconnected wirelessly.

The apparatus 10 can include an AC/DC adapter in some embodiments. Thepower supply 36 can be connected to the power adapter and the adaptercan be plugged into an external power grid in order to recharge thepower supply 36 between uses of apparatus 10, or while apparatus 10 isbeing used and the power supply 36 is depleted. In some embodiments,apparatus 10 can include a second power supply which can be a secondstandalone power supply such as a battery or load cell which can beconnected to power supply 36. A second standalone power supply can helpprolong the usable life of apparatus 10 when apparatus 10 is used inremote areas or areas without access to a utility power grid. In someembodiments, the second standalone power supply can be configured toprovide multiple days of additional power to apparatus 10.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4 and 7-8, the backpack carrier 12 can alsoinclude a lower compartment 20 positioned beneath the central storagearea 16. In some embodiments, the lower compartment 20 can have a depth58. The depth 58 can be at least four inches. In some embodiments, thelower compartment 20 can be separated from the central storage area 16.For instance, the central storage area 16 can include a fabric or hardplastic bottom which can separate the central storage area 16 from thelower compartment 20. The lower compartment 20 can include a lower cover22 which can be selectively secured over the lower compartment 20 toenclose the lower compartment 20. As such, in some embodiments, thelower compartment 20 can be accessed independently from the centralstorage area 16, the central storage area 16 being accessed via theupper opening 14 and the lower compartment 20 accessed by opening thelower cover 22. The lower cover 22 can be separately removable.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the backpack carrier 12 caninclude one or more side pockets 24 and 26. Side pockets on backpackcarrier 12 can be positioned on one or more of a front 28, a firstlateral side 30, or a second lateral side 32 of the backpack carrier 12.In some embodiments, a first side pocket 24 can be positioned on thefirst lateral side 30 of the backpack carrier 12 and a second pocket 26can be positioned on the second lateral side 32 of the backpack carrier12. The side pockets 24 and 26 can be sized to receive and store variouscomponents of the data communications backpack apparatus 10.

The electrical components of the apparatus 10, including but not limitedto the antenna array 38, the router device 34, the power supply 36, andthe power switch 48 can be positioned within the lower compartment 20and the side pockets 24 and 26 of the backpack carrier 12 such that theapparatus 10 can be equipped with data communications equipment which isseparate from the central storage area 16 of the backpack carrier 12. Assuch, the apparatus 10 can double as a conventional backpack for storingand carrying personal items, as well as a data communications unit whichcan be utilized for cellular, wireless, and GPS data communication.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 & 7-8, in some embodiments, the power supply36 can be positioned in the first side pocket 24, and the router device34 can be positioned within the second side pocket 26. The antenna array38, the antenna housing 46, and the power switch 48 can be positionedwithin the lower compartment 20. In such embodiments, the backpackcarrier 12 can include one or more apertures 60 and 62 defined withinthe internal sidewalls of the backpack carrier 12. A first aperture 60can be positioned to communicate and allow passage of electrical cablesbetween the lower compartment 20 and the first side pocket 24, and asecond aperture 62 can be positioned to communicate and allow passage ofelectrical cables between the lower compartment 20 and the second sidepocket 26, as shown in FIGS. 7-8 and 10-11. In some embodiments, a firstgrommet 64 can be positioned in and can define the first aperture 60,and a second grommet 66 can be positioned in and can define the secondaperture 62. First and second grommets 64 and 66 can be rigid grommetsmade from any suitable rigid material such as metal or plastic. Rigidgrommets 64 and 66 can provide support and structure around the firstand apertures 60 and 62 respectively.

Wires connecting the various components of the data communicationsbackpack apparatus 10 can extend through the apertures 60 and 62 inorder to connect the various components of the apparatus 10 together.For instance in some embodiments, the power source 36 and the routerdevice 34 are positioned in different side pockets 24 and 26 of thebackpack carrier 12, and the power source 36 and the router device 14can be electrically connected via one or more electrical cablesextending through the first aperture 60 and the second aperture 62. Insome embodiments, the router device 34 and the power source 36 can beelectrically communicated via a power switch 48 positioned in the lowercompartment 20. In such embodiments, a first electrical cable 56 a canextend from the power supply 36 to the power switch 48, the firstelectrical cable 56 a passing through the first aperture 60, and asecond electrical cable 56 b can extend from the router device 34 to thepower switch 48, the second electrical cable 56 b passing through thesecond aperture 62. One or more electrical antenna cables 56 c canextend from the router device 34 to the antenna array 38, the antennacables 56 c also passing through the second aperture 62, such that therouter device 34 and the antenna array 38 are electrically communicatedvia one or more electrical cables extending through the second aperture62.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 7-8, the antenna array 38and/or several other electrical components of the apparatus 10 can bemounted to a support frame 70 or placed within the support frame 70. Thesupport frame 70 can be sized to snugly fit within the lower compartment20, or anywhere else within the backpack carrier 12. The support frame70 can provide protection for one or more electrical componentsconnected to it such that if an external force is placed upon thebackpack carrier 12, for instance if the carrier 12 is dropped orthrown, the support frame 70 can help prevent damage to the componentsof the unit positioned on or within the support frame 70.

In some embodiments, the support frame 70 can include an upper framemember 72 and a lower frame member 74, with one or more electricalcomponents of the data communications unit mounted to the support frame70 on or between the upper and lower frame members 72 and 74. In someembodiments, the support frame 70 can further include an intermediateplate member 76 suspended between the upper and lower frame members 72and 74. One or more of the electrical components can be mounted to theintermediate frame member 76, such that the components can be locatedbetween upper and lower outer frame members 74 and 76. The upper andlower plate members 74 and 76 can provide protection for one or more ofthe components of the data communication backpack apparatus 10 againstforces applied on the data communications backpack apparatus 10 frommultiple directions. In some embodiments, the upper and lower outerframe members 72 and 74 can include a substantially even top surface 72a and bottom surface 74 a, respectively, that can be used as a worksurface when the support frame 70 is removed from the backpack carrier12. The frame members 72, 74, and 76 of the support frame 70 may includea rigid material designed to withstand various stresses placed on thesupport frame 70. In other embodiments, the frame members 72, 74, and 76can include both rigid and resilient portions to withstand and absorbvarious stresses placed on the support frame 70.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, the electrical components inthe lower compartment 20 can be connected to the intermediate framemember 76 and extend toward the lower frame member 74, and electricalcables connecting the electrical components in the lower componenttogether, as well as cables connecting the components in the lowercompartment to other components in the side pockets 24 and 26, can bepositioned and can extend between the intermediate plate 76 and theupper plate 72. As such, when the support frame 70 is positioned in thelower compartment 20, the electrical cables can be hidden from theobserver's view behind the intermediate frame member 76. In someembodiments, the electrical components may also be positioned betweenintermediate frame member 76 and upper plate 72 and the cables may bepositioned between intermediate frame 76 and lower plate 74. In stillother embodiments, the components and the cables may be positionedbetween any two frame members.

In some embodiments, the upper, lower, and intermediate frame members72, 74, and 76 can be rigid plates or have a flat, plate-like shape suchthat the frame members 72, 74, and 76 can span across the lowercompartment 20 and can extend beyond the electrical componentspositioned in the lower compartment 20 to provide adequate protectionfor the components mounted within the support frame 70. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 9, in some embodiments the lower frame member 72 can includean access opening and can be substantially ring-shaped. Other framemembers can include similar access openings which can be variouslyshaped and sized. One or more access openings in the frame members canprovide access to various components of the apparatus. For instance, anaccess opening in a lower frame member 72 in FIGS. 4 and 9 can provide auser access to the power switch 48 on the intermediate plate 46 suchthat a user can selectively turn on the data communications equipment ofthe apparatus 10. One or more access openings in the frame members canin other embodiments provide access to various components of theapparatus for connection of electrical cables or power cables or otherconnectors to those components, or provide access to such components forother purposes (e.g., maintenance, replacement of components, etc.).

In some embodiments, a plurality of legs 78 can connect the members ofthe support frame 70 together. The upper, lower, and intermediate framemembers 72, 74, and 76 respectively can be connected to the plurality oflegs 78 such that the upper and lower frame members 72 and 74 are spacedapart from one another on the plurality of legs 78 and the intermediateframe member 76 is positioned between and spaced apart from the upperand lower frame members 72 and 74. The plurality of legs 78 can extendbelow the lower frame member 74 in some embodiments, such that when thebackpack carrier 12 is positioned on the ground, the support frame 70can rest on the legs 78, the legs 78 elevating the support frame 70 andthe electrical components contained thereon off of the ground. The legs78 can be made from a lightweight metal such as aluminum or titanium oranother suitable lightweight metal alloy. The legs 78 can also be madefrom other materials such as plastics, polymers, or other suitablecompounds.

As shown in FIG. 14, the legs 78 may be shaped as a stake 79 so that thesupport frame 70 can be anchored into the ground. One or more of thelegs 78 can also include an inner leg member 78 a and an outer legmember 78 b, the inner member 78 a being slidable relative to the outerleg member 78 and can be used to increase the length of the legs 78. Oneor more of the legs 78 may be extendable in both directions along itslength in some embodiments. The legs 78 may be extended to furtherelevate the support frame 70 off the ground. The legs 78 may also beindependently extendable to a plurality of different lengths so that thesupport frame 70 can be leveled when placed on uneven ground or terrain.The legs may also be extendable in some embodiments to create more spacebetween adjacent support members to accommodate electrical components ofdifferent sizes as needed. The legs 78 may also be configured to receivevarious other extension components. For example, legs 78 may beconfigured to be connectable to various extensions 80, such as a stakeextension 80 a, or a hook extension 80 b, for anchoring the supportframe 70 to the ground or hanging the support frame 70 from an objectsuch as a tree, fence, etc. In some embodiments, the ends of one or moreof the legs 78 may also contain magnets 82 such that the support frame70 can be secured to a magnetic surface.

The legs 78 may be designed to support significant weight, such as theweight of a human, so that the support frame 70 may be used as a seatwhen the support frame is removed from the backpack carrier. In someembodiments, one of the outer frame members may include a fastener ormultiple fasteners 84 for connecting a seat cushion 86 to the supportframe 70 for added comfort when the support frame 70 is used as a seat.

As shown in FIG. 14, the support frame 70 may comprise a second upperouter frame member 73 and/or a second lower outer frame member 75. Oneor more electrical components, including the power supply 36, the routerdevice 34, the antenna array 36, and/or one or more electrical cablescan be positioned between the upper outer frame member 72 and the secondupper outer frame member 73, or between the lower outer frame member 74and the second lower outer frame member 75. FIG. 14 shows the routerdevice 34 between first and second outer upper frame members 72 and 73and the power supply 36 between first and second lower outer framemembers 74 and 75. The electrical components in other embodiments can bein numerous configurations on or between frame members 72, 73, 74, 75,and 76.

FIGS. 1-14 show various components, including power supply 36, routerdevice 34, antenna array 38, cellular antennas 40, wireless antennas 42,GPS antennas 44, power switch 48, etc., in various orientations andpositions within the lower compartment 20 and side pockets 24 and 26 ofbackpack carrier 12. In other embodiments, the communications componentsof the apparatus 10 can be positioned in numerous other orientationswithin the side pockets 24 and 26 and lower compartment 20. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the router device 34 and the power supply36 can also be mounted to a support frame 70 such that all datacommunications components can be mounted on and protected by the supportframe 70. In other embodiments, the antenna array 38 can be positionedin one of the side pockets 24 and 26 and either the power supply 36 orthe router device 34, or both, can be positioned within the lowercompartment 20 and mounted to the support frame 70.

As shown in FIG. 15, the support frame 70 may be enclosed in a weatherproof and sealable bag, container, or other enclosure 88 inside thebackpack carrier. The support frame enclosure 88 may be sewn, fastened,or otherwise secured inside the backpack carrier. The support frameenclosure 88 may also be made of an antiballistic material such as aKevlar or Lexan material or a suitable composite fiber material. In someembodiments, the support frame enclosure 88 can be selectively openedsuch that the support frame 70 and the electrical components thereon canbe removed for maintenance, repair, inspection, etc. The support frameenclosure 88 can provide additional weather and impact protection forthe electrical components of the apparatus 10.

The data communications backpack apparatus 10 disclosed herein canconveniently provide data communications equipment within a conventionalbackpack type carrier. A user can store personal or business items suchas clothes, electronic devices, laptops, cell phones, rain gear, campinggear, books, etc. within the central storage area of the apparatus 10.The data communications equipment can also allow a user to transmitcellular, wireless, and GPS data when the user is in remote locationsaway from a power grid and conventional communications systems, or whenconventional communications systems are not available, such as in adisaster or emergency situation. An apparatus that can allow for storageof personal items as well as data communications equipment can be ofparticular use for emergency responders such as policemen, fireman,paramedics, etc. who may utilize the data communications backpack of thepresent disclosure in emergency situations. The data communicationsbackpack can also be beneficial to users such as campers, hikers, parkrangers, etc. who may frequently venture into remote locations whereconventional communications systems are not available.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of thepresent invention of a new and useful DATA COMMUNICATIONS BACKPACK, itis not intended that such references be construed as limitations uponthe scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data communications backpack apparatuscomprising: a backpack carrier including a closeable upper openingextending into a central storage area and one or more external pockets;a power supply positioned in the backpack carrier; a router devicepositioned in the backpack carrier, the router device in electricalcommunication with the power supply, the router device including atleast one cellular gateway for wide area network communication as wellas being configured to enable at least one wireless network for localarea network communication, the at least one wireless network having aservice set identifier (SSID), wherein the SSID can accommodate multipleusers; and an antenna array positioned in the backpack carrier, theantenna array in electrical communication with the router device, theantenna array including at least two cellular antennas and one or morewireless networking antennas; wherein the at least two cellular antennasare configured to support multiple input multiple output applicationsfor the at least one cellular gateway; and wherein the router device andthe power supply are positioned within the one or more external pocketsof the backpack carrier.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the oneor more external pockets further includes: a first side pocket definedon the backpack carrier; a second side pocket defined on the backpackcarrier; and a lower compartment defined below and separated from thecentral storage area; the power supply is positioned in the firstpocket; the router device is positioned in the second pocket; and theantenna array is positioned in the lower compartment.
 3. The apparatusof claim 2, further comprising: a first aperture positioned to allowelectrical cables to pass between the first pocket and the lowercompartment; and a second aperture positioned to allow electrical cablesto pass between the second pocket and the lower compartment.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein: the power supply and the router deviceare electrically communicated via one or more electrical cablesextending through the first and second apertures.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein: the router device and the antenna array areelectrically communicated via one or more electrical cables extendingthrough the second aperture.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, furthercomprising: a first rigid grommet positioned in and defining the firstaperture; and a second rigid grommet positioned in and defining thesecond aperture.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the backpackcarrier includes a first lateral side and a second lateral side; thefirst side pocket is positioned on the first lateral side of thebackpack carrier; and the second side pocket is positioned on the secondlateral side of the backpack carrier.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a support frame positioned inside the backpackcarrier, wherein the antenna array is mounted to the support frame. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a power switch mounted tothe support frame.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the supportframe further comprises a plurality of legs extending from the supportframe.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a power switchpositioned inside the backpack carrier, the power supply and routerdevice in electrical communication with the power switch; wherein thepower switch is selectively operable to provide power from the powersupply to the router device, such that the power supply and the routerdevice are in electrical communication via the power switch.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the antenna array includes an antennahousing, each of the at least two cellular antennas and each of the oneor more wireless networking antennas positioned within the antennahousing.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the antenna array furthercomprises at least one Global Positioning System antenna.
 14. A datacommunications backpack apparatus comprising: a backpack carrierincluding an upper opening extending into a central storage area and oneor more external pockets; a rechargeable power supply positioned in thebackpack carrier; a router device positioned in the backpack carrier,the router device in electrical communication with the power supply, therouter device including at least one cellular gateway for wide areanetwork communication as well as being configured to enable at least onewireless network for local area network communication, the at least onewireless network having a service set identifier (SSID), wherein theSSID can accommodate multiple users; a support frame positioned in thebackpack carrier; and an antenna array mounted to the support, theantenna array in electrical communication with the router device, theantenna array including at least one pair of cellular antennas and atleast one pair of wireless networking antennas; wherein the at least onepair of cellular antennas are configured to support multiple inputmultiple output applications for the at least one cellular gateway, andthe at least one pair of wireless networking antennas are configured tosupport multiple input multiple output applications for the at least onewireless network; and wherein the router device and the power supply arepositioned within the one or more external pockets of the backpackcarrier.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the backpack carrierfurther comprises an upper opening extending into a central storage areaand a lower compartment defined below the central storage area; and theantenna array is positioned within the lower compartment of the backpackcarrier.
 16. A data communications backpack apparatus comprising: abackpack carrier; a power supply positioned in the backpack carrier; arouter device positioned in the backpack carrier, the router device inelectrical communication with the power supply, the router deviceincluding at least one cellular gateway for wide area networkcommunication as well as being configured to enable at least onewireless network for local area network communication, the at least onewireless network having a service set identifier (SSID), wherein theSSID can accommodate multiple users; a support frame positioned in thebackpack carrier; and an antenna array mounted on the antenna supportmember, the antenna array in electrical communication with the routerdevice, the antenna array including at least one pair of cellularantennas and at least one wireless networking antenna; wherein the atleast one pair of cellular antennas are configured to support multipleinput multiple output applications for the at least one cellulargateway.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a powerswitch mounted to the support frame, the power supply and the routerdevice electrically communicated via the power switch.
 18. The apparatusof claim 16, wherein the support frame further comprises: an upper framemember; and a lower frame member; wherein the antenna array ispositioned between the upper frame member and the lower frame member.19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the upper and lower frame membersare spaced from one another by a plurality of legs, the plurality oflegs extending below the lower frame member.
 20. The apparatus of claim19, wherein the support frame further comprises an intermediate framemember suspended between and spaced from the upper and lower framemembers by the plurality of legs, the antenna array mounted to theintermediate frame member.